Category Archives: Uncategorized

RASFF Alert- Animal Feed -Salmonella – Chew Products

RASFFa

RASFF-Salmonella Livingstone (presence /25g) and Salmonella Schwarzengrund (presence /25g) in chew products for domestic animals from Poland in Germany

Norway -Over 100 With Stomach Upset

News Domestic – Google Translation

Under Health and quality registry conference in Oslo last week were over 100 participants affected by acute gastrointestinal illness, writes Bergens Tidende .

 FSA suspect infection should have been spread during a lunch buffet on Thursday 10 March at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Oslo, where, among other Public Health (FHI) was co-organizer of the conference.

Research -Effect of Sodium Chloride on the Reduction of Bacillus Cereus in Shrimp Jeotgal During Refrigerated Storage

Wiley Online Library

Abstract

Salted shrimp Jeotgal, a favorite in Korea, is raw fermented fish containing 20–30% NaCl, which serves to inhibit its decay for a certain period. However, Bacillus cereus has been detected in commercial salted–fermented shrimp. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the effect of 5–15% NaCl on the inactivation of B. cereus in various salted shrimp stored for two weeks. We determined whether NaCl could affect lactic acid bacteria and pH in salted shrimp during storage. B. cereus significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing NaCl concentration and storage time at 10C. The average B. cereus count steadily and rapidly reduced before and after a 7-day storage period, respectively. Moreover, there was no significant change in the population of lactic acid bacteria and the Hunter color (P > 0.05) during storage periods at 10C.

Practical Applications

This study indicates that the use of NaCl at doses of 5–15% could be an effective way to control B. cereus contamination in salted shrimp during storage at 10C. The color measurement degenerated with stepwise decrease in NaCl concentration from 7 days of storage. Therefore, we suggest that salted shrimp containing 5–15% NaCl should be consumed within 7 days.

 

 

Research -Influence of Respiration on Predictive Microbial Growth of Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae in Fresh-Cut Apples Packaged Under Modified Atmosphere

Wiley Online Library

Abstract

Objectives in this study were to model/predict simultaneous influences of apple O2-consumption/CO2-production rates inline image and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (from volumetric concentrations of O2/CO2 inline imageon microbial growth (Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, AMB; Enterobacteriaceae, EBac) in 2 fresh-cut apple cultivars treated with five anti-browning treatments and stored in refrigerator. Growth of both microorganisms was best predicted by length of shelf-life, inline imageWith AMB/EBac growth, cultivar’s inline image decreased together with inline image in packaging. Similarly, with microbial growth inline image dropped, while simultaneously inline imageincrease was observed in package. Regression coefficients ratios for AMB-respiration models were similar to ratios for stoichiometric coefficients for respiration equation with malic acid as main substrate. Hence, presented models likely captured natural relations between predictors, and gave good estimate of AMB growth and its association with respiration in MAP. Apple browning had weak or no association with bacterial growth. Obtained models may be utilized to optimize industrial parameters with least AMB/EBac growth, hence facilitate extension of fresh-cut apple shelf-life.

Practical Applications

Relationships between fresh-cut apples O2-consumption/CO2-production rates, volumetric concentrations of O2/CO2 in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and microbial growth (Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, AMB; Enterobacteriaceae EBac) were established and yielded mathematical models which may be utilized to optimize industrial parameters with least AMB/EBac growth, hence facilitate extension of fresh-cut apple shelf-life. All equations and models are publicly accessible at apple.pbf.hr or 31.147.204.87, and can be used to calculate almost every parameter relevant for apple respiration and apple browning (only for permeable systems). Additionally, users can choose their own production settings (size of package, initial volumetric concentration of gases, apple mass), and calculate optimal values (with least browning) for their fresh-cut processes (taking into account their own packaging film and others). Therefore, results presented in this paper will likely be useful to the fresh-cut industry.

USA -Norovirus confirmed in Michigan Applebee’s illness; 30 others with symptoms

BarfBlog

Viruses are fascinating. A 27nm particle first isolated in 1978 from the poop of ill students and teachers at a Norwalk, Ohio school causes millions of illnesses a year by using a host’s cells to make more viruses.

And spread them to other hosts through projectile vomit and explosive diarrhea.

Sort of like what’s happening in Corunna, Michigan where 30 patrons of an Applebee’s are, according to MLive, sick with noro symptoms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

USA -Tri-Union Seafoods LLC Issues Precautionary, Voluntary Recall on Select 5 oz. Canned Chunk Light Tuna in Oil and 5 oz. Canned Chuck Light Tuna in Water

FDA

Tri-Union Seafoods LLC is voluntarily recalling a 2,745 cases (equal to 107,280 cans) of Chicken of the Sea brand 5 oz. canned chunk light tuna in oil and 5 oz. canned chunk light tuna in water.

This recall has been initiated because the product may have been undercooked due to an equipment malfunction, which was uncovered during a routine inspection. These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed. There have been no reported illnesses to date connected with the affected products, and Tri-Union Seafoods LLC is issuing this voluntary recall to ensure the highest level of safety and quality.

The UPC code, Best By date and lot codes are used to determine the products involved. The UPC code (also known as the bar code) is found on the label of the product. The Best By date is printed on the bottom of the can. The product lot codes that are part of this voluntary recall can also be found on the bottom of the can.

The specific products being recalled are as follows:

Chicken of the Sea 5 Oz. Canned Chunk Light Tuna in Oil

Chicken of the Sea Brand 5 oz. canned chunk light tuna in oil sold at retailers nationwide in single cans between Feb. 10, 2016 and March 16, 2016.

The UPC code is 0 4800000195 5 and the Best By date is 2/10/19.

USA – Recall: Select 5oz Hill Country Fare Chunk Light Tuna in Oil Recalled for Potential Health Risk

FDA

San Antonio, Texas – H-E-B is voluntarily recalling 224 cases (10,752 cans) of Hill Country Fare brand 5 oz. Chunk Light Tuna in Oil.

This recall has been initiated because the product, produced at a co-packer, may have been undercooked due to an equipment malfunction, which was uncovered during a routine inspection. These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed. There have been no reported illnesses to date, H-E-B is issuing this voluntary recall in abundance of caution to ensure the highest level of food safety and quality.

The Hill Country Fare brand 5oz. canned Chunk Light Tuna in Oil was sold at H-E-B Texas stores in single cans between Feb. 24, 2016 and March 16, 2016.

The voluntary recall impacts the following product only:

Hill Country Fare Chunk Light Tuna in Oil
UPC code: 0 4122065335 5
Product lot code 6O9FZ SCEES
Best By date (printed on the bottom of the can) is 2/9/19.

Customers who purchased the product can return it to the store for a full refund. Customers with any questions or concerns may contact H-E-B Customer Service at 1-855-432-4438 Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm

Vietnam -Fast food chain Lotteria Vietnam fined for mass poisoning

ThanhNien News

Ho Chi Minh City has fined South Korean-owned fast food chain Lotteria Vietnam VND146 million (US$6,600) for a mass poisoning case that sent 60 people to hospital last week.
A statement from the city’s health department said many workers at Sonion Vietnam, a Danish company at the city’s Hi-tech Park, started to show food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after lunch on March 12.
Local media reported their meals, including beef, omelet and vegetable soup, were provided by Lotteria. A total of 60 workers had to be rushed to hospitals in District 9 and the neighboring Thu Duc District.

 

USA -Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Poona Infections Linked to Imported Cucumbers (Final Update)

CDC cucumber

Highlights

  • This outbreak appears to be over. However, Salmonella remains an important cause of human illness in the United States. For more information about Salmonella and steps that people can take to reduce their risk of infection, visit CDC’s Salmonella webpage(http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/index.html).
  • CDC, multiple states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Poona infections.
    • A total of 907 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Poona were reported from 40 states.
    • A total of 204 ill people were hospitalized, and six deaths were reported from Arizona (1), California (3), Oklahoma (1), and Texas (1). Salmonella infection was not considered to be a contributing factor in two of the three deaths in California.
  • Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations identified cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce as the likely source of the infections in this outbreak.
  • Two recalls(http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/poona-09-15/advice.html) of cucumbers that may be contaminated with Salmonella were announced in September 2015 as a result of this investigation: Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce and Custom Produce Sales.
  • Investigation of illnesses that were reported after the peak of the outbreak in August and September 2015 did not identify an additional food linked to illness. The source of contamination for the cucumbers distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce has not been identified.

Information -Preventing the spread of Salmonella from live animals

Michigan State University Salmonella

As the season of spring and the Easter holiday approaches Michigan State University Extension recommends that you heed the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the handling of chicks and ducklings, animals at petting zoos, or the keeping of these animals as pets, especially when small children are present. The risk of illness from Salmonella bacteria can be present and caution is advised. Additionally, the CDC reports that, “people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most individuals recover without treatment. In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.”

The CDC offers the following tips to protect those at highest risk which are children 5 and under and the elderly 65 years of age and older:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Clean any equipment or materials associated with raising or caring for live poultry outside the house, such as cages or feed and water containers.
  • Do not let children younger than 5 years of age, elderly persons, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry.
  • Do not let live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms, or especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens, or outdoor patios.
  • Do not snuggle or kiss the birds, touch your mouth, or eat or drink around live poultry.

Individuals are strongly advised to limit direct contact with birds and thoroughly wash their hands immediately after any contact. Children younger than 5 especially need to be monitored closely to make sure that they don’t kiss the birds or stick their fingers in their mouths after handling them.